Francis Ajuonuma
Team Imo on Wednesday proved why they are a side to reckoned with in Nigerian volleyball after clinching all gold medals in both the women’s and men’s volleyball events at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin City Edo State.
Team Imo started their dominance in the women’s event with victory over Team Edo, winning the final 3-1 of five- 25-12, 25-10, 20-25 and 25-8 to scoup the gold medal.
It was the same story in the men’s final as Team Imo tore through Team Edo 26-24, 25-22, 21-25 and 25-23 to complete Imo gold sweep at 3-1.
It was an overwhelming performances of team Imo as they lead each of the finals 2-0.
Elated Coach Chidiebere Ahiabuike said they worked hard for the game and commended his players for living up to the challenges despite playing the host state in the final.
“I’m very proud of my players for making the state proud. Both victories did not come easy. Our opponent Edo gave us a good fight but at the end we prevailed,” he said.
Responding Team Edo coach Edosa Aye admitted that they lost the game in the first two sets blaming it on individual technical lapses.
“It was a tough match, Team Imo gave us a real fight and I think my players also did well. But I think they won the match in the first two sets where we played badly, giving them the advantage. I’m disappointed that in two finals we lost all to Team Imo. Well, we have to take it hard on the chin, put it behind us and look forward,” he stated.
Also speaking moment after the men’s finals , Commissioner for Sports, Imo State, Everaestus Onyeocha, said the victories did not come to him as a surprise, giving God the glory.
“I’m so excited because they the players assured the state of gold medals and here are gold medals. So, we give Gold the glory,” he said, while commending Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his tremendous support to Team Imo.
He also acknowledged the Niger adelta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for their sponsorship and organisation of the Niger Delta Games.
“I want to thank H.E Senator Hope Uzodimma the most sports loving governor in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
“It’s equally important I commend NDDC and Dunamis Icon Limited for this wonderful initiative which has helped in sports development and talent discovery in the entire Niger Delta region.
The bronze in the men’s event went to Team Abia, who defeated their Ondo counterparts, 3-2, while Team Rivers won the Women’s bronze at the expense of Team Abia.
Also in the handball for Women, Team Imo once again showed their class by beating Team Edo 24-23 to win the handball gold.
